Retractable jack foot

ABSTRACT

A trailer hitch jack for rapidly raising and lowering the tongue of a trailer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/335,498, filed Dec. 15, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/240,908, filed Sep. 29, 2008, entitled“RETRACTABLE JACK FOOT,” which claims the benefit of both of thefollowing two (2) applications: 1) U.S. Provisional Application No.60/997,272, filed Oct. 1, 2007; and 2) U.S. Provisional Application No.60/995,744, filed Sep. 28, 2007, wherein all of the foregoing are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties, including but notlimited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, theincorporation by reference being made with the following exception: Inthe event that any portion of the above-referenced applications areinconsistent with this application, this application supercedes saidabove-referenced applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention.

The present disclosure relates generally to trailer hitch systems, andmore particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to trailer hitchsystems that facilitate connecting trailers to tow vehicles.

The present invention relates generally to a jack stand and methods ofmaking and using same. In particular, but not by way of limitation, thepresent invention relates to a jack stand having a means for moving thefoot assembly of the jack stand from a ground engaging configuration toan upright stored configuration.

2. Description of Related Art

Various different types of trailer hitches are known in the art forattaching trailers to towing vehicles. One of the most common types oftowing systems utilizes a ball hitch. Typical ball hitches have agenerally spherical shaped ball with a stem or threaded rod extendingfrom a base of the ball. The threaded rod may be configured to engage aball mount mounted on the towing vehicle using a threaded receiver orball hitch fitting. A trailer coupling member, such as a ball clamp,positioned on a front of the trailer tongue, may engage the ball hitchin a loose friction fit, and may be secured to the ball in preparationfor towing. Some hitches may also have load equalizing systems todistribute loads and allow the towing vehicle and trailer to remainlevel. Other mechanisms may also be used in association with a trailerhitch to reduce side sway of the trailer. Most trailers include ajacking system for assisting in hitching and leveling to a tow vehicle.

A common challenge with the known trailer hitch systems is attaching thetrailer to the tow vehicle. Difficulty may arise in properly aligningthe trailer vertically with the tow vehicle. Commonly a jacking deviceis used to align the trailer hitch and tow vehicle by raising a loweringthe tongue of the trailer. The jacking device after use must be stowedout of the way so the driving can be done safely. Along unimprovedroads, the distance required for the trailer jack to clear any suchobstacles would often be extensive or not quite enough leading tosituations where the trailer tongue would become lodged in the groundrendering any movement futile. Most commonly this stowing is done bycontinuing the jacking process to pull the foot up and out of the way.This can take a great amount of time effort.

There have been many attempts to improve the method of aligning trailersto tow vehicles, yet the most common method remains the conventionaljack attached at the tongue, even though such a method has severaldrawbacks. The tongue of a two-wheel (or a trailer having any number ofwheels or axles) trailer is conventionally provided with a jack having atelescoping vertical element which extends below the plane of thetrailer tongue. One of the drawbacks of the conventional jack system andjacking method may include the many number of movements needed to takeadvantage of the mechanical properties to the jacking design. Many turnsmay be needed to raise and lower the tongue, or to level the trailer foruse. These many turns must be repeated every time the trailer isconnected or disconnected.

Other trailer hitch systems may use a jack that is geared to movefaster. In other words one actuation of the jack lever raises and lowersthe trailer tongue more per actuation than a jack system designed tohandle a very heavy trailer.

Another jacking system may be designed to handle a very heavy weight andtherefore is generally slow, using the mechanical advantage of thedesign to over come the heavy load. In such a system many actuations arerequired to move the trailer a very short distance.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of a trailer 10 and towing vehicle20 system is shown.

The trailer 10 and towing vehicle 20 may include a ball hitch 12 forattaching to a ball socket 14 on a tongue 16 of the trailer 10 in amanner known in the art. It will be understood that the trailer 10 andtowing vehicle 20 system may be made more convenient, as explained morefully below, to allow the ball hitch 12 to be aligned more easily andfaster with the socket 14 on tongue 16 when the trailer 10 is detachedand attached to and from the towing vehicle 20.

A jack 18 may be used on the tongue 16 to raise and lower the tongue 16of the trailer 10 to aid in the hitching of the tow vehicle 20 with thetrailer 10. A jack 18 is generally made up of an actuation portion 22, apost portion 24 and a foot portion 26. The actuation portion 22 maycomprise a user interface which is commonly a handle or crank of somekind. In the case of a handle and crank, the user would take the handlein its hand and rotate the crank in a circular motion. The force appliedby the user is multiplied by the mechanical advantage of the jackingmechanism. An electric motor may also be employed to actuate the jackmechanism. An electric motor may be configured to run at the optimalspeed for a balance of speed and power. In the case of a trailer themechanical mechanism of the jack requires a great amount of motion atthe handle and produces a small amount of motion at the post portion 24or foot portions 26. The post portion 24 rigidly fixes the foot portion26 to the drive mechanism or the jack 18. The foot portion 26 generallymakes contact with the ground and is typically wider than the postportion 24 to distribute the weight of the trailer 10.

In use, the tow vehicle may be positioned near the trailer such that theball 12 on the vehicle 20 is located under the ball socket 14 of thetrailer 10. As is shown in FIG. 2, the ball socket 14 may be loweredover ball 12 by actuating the jack 18 with the crank handle 22, therebyretracting upwardly the jack post 24 and jack foot 26, which, in turn,allows the tongue 16 (and ball socket 14) to lower under force ofgravity. As the ball 12 makes contact inside the ball socket 14, theweight of the trailer 10 is transferred from the jack foot 26 to thevehicle 20.

With reference now to FIG. 3, one of the shortcomings of the prior artwill be discussed. In order to make the trailer 20 ready for towing, thejack foot 26 must be raised up and out of the way so that it does notcontact the ground during travel. FIG. 3 depicts the jack foot 26 raisedin the uppermost position. With the trailer's weight resting on thevehicle, the mechanical advantage of the jack makes for a tedious andtime consuming process in raising the jack foot high enough to be out ofthe way of ground contact risk.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a typical mechanical jack 18. The mechanics ofthe jack may be of a screw type, step-lever type, or any other typedknown in the art. For illustration purposes, a screw-type jack will bediscussed. A screw-type jack derives its usefulness by using the rampingof the threads 40 on a drive axle 41 against corresponding structures ona ram or jack post 24 to move the jack post 24 in or out. In use, anoperator would grasp the crank handle 22 and turn the crank 23 about theaxis of the drive axle 41. The crank 23 can be easily replaced by anelectric motor that would then drive the drive axle 41. Depending on thedirection of the rotation of the crank 23, the jack post 24 will eitherraise or lower. The mechanical exchange in such machines is an inverserelationship between power and distance. Accordingly, the typical jackused on a trailer needs to convert low input power but large distancetravel at the handle into high output power, but small distance travelat the jack post to move the heavy weight of a trailer. Therefore, evenafter the weight of the trailer is resting on the vehicle, continuing tomove the jack foot up and out of the way of ground contact risk takes alot of motion and time.

Often people use blocks of wood 50 or other material to place under thejack foot 26, as seen in FIG. 5, such that in use, the blocks can bequickly removed and thereby negate the need to move the jack 18 somedistance where its mechanical advantage is not needed. The blockshowever need to be stored when not in use, and are unsightly when in useor being stored.

At the end of this telescoping jack post is typically found a “foot”which rests on the ground to support and/or level the forward end of thetrailer. In order for the trailer jack to be out of the way duringtowing, it has been traditional for the entirety of the trailer jack tobe pivoted such that the trailer jack was in a substantially horizontalalignment with the trailer tongue when the trailer was attached to atowing vehicle. During road travel the foot would have to be elevated aconsiderable distance off of the ground in order for the trailer jack toclear any obstacles or uneven areas in the road to be traveled.

Either of the above-mentioned means for moving the trailer jacksufficiently out of the way of ground contact risk during transportrequire significant physical exertion on the part of the operator. Ifthe trailer jack is pivoted into a horizontal position, oftentimes thepins and springs used during the pivoting process have been corroded orrusted by exposure to the weather. If these items have frozen in place,the operator has no choice but to expend considerable effort to freethem in order to move the trailer jack into the horizontal position. Ifthe trailer jack is elevated to a height sufficient to clear obstaclesin the road, the elevation must be quite extensive in order to clear allpotential obstacles. Additionally, the operator must exert extensiveeffort to ensure that the elevation is accomplished while the mechanicalmeans for elevating the trailer hitch are oftentimes rusted and/orfrozen.

The prior art is characterized by these and other disadvantages that areaddressed by the present disclosure. The present disclosure minimizes,and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and otherproblems, by utilizing the methods and structural features describedherein.

The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure withoutundue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure maybe realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent froma consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle and trailer towing system;

FIG. 2 depicts a vehicle and trailer towing system;

FIG. 3 depicts a vehicle and trailer towing system;

FIG. 4 depicts a jack used with a vehicle and trailer towing system;

FIG. 5 depicts blocks being used with a vehicle and trailer towingsystem;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts a close up side view of one embodiment in accordance withthe disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a close up rear view of one embodiment in accordancewith the disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in rotation;

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure as rotated;

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 23 depicts a front view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 24 depicts a side view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 25 depicts a view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure in use;

FIG. 26 depicts a view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 27 depicts a view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure;

FIG. 28 depicts a view of one embodiment in accordance with thedisclosure; and

FIG. 29 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.27-28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

Before the present apparatus and methods for providing a trailer jacksystem are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, processsteps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, processsteps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood thatthe terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since thescope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

The publications and other reference materials referred to herein todescribe the background of the disclosure, and to provide additionaldetail regarding its practice, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties, with the following exception: In the eventthat any portion of said reference materials is inconsistent with thisapplication, this application supercedes said reference materials. Thereference materials discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as a suggestion or admission that theinventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue ofprior disclosure, or to distinguish the present disclosure from thesubject matter disclosed in the reference materials.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, as used herein,the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,”and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended termsthat do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

A jack as defined herein is any mechanism that offers a mechanicaladvantage between an input and an output. The phrase “height adjustmentmeans” for raising or lowering an object such as a trailer tongue, asused herein shall include and cover a jack. Referring briefly to FIG.25, for example, a jack 300 may, for example, include a housing (shownas the cylindrical member associated with item 300) and a first movablemember 301 movably attached relative to the housing such that said firstmovable member 301 is movable toward or away from the housing, and theembodiment of FIG. 25 also includes a second movable member 310 movablyattached relative to the first movable member 301 such that said secondmovable member 310 is movable toward or away from the first movablemember 301. A locking mechanism, such as pin 340 and clip 342 may beincluded for retaining the second movable member 310 relative to thefirst movable member 301. The first movable member 301 may be atelescoping member, or a sliding member, or a member providing any othertype of relative movement useful as part of a height adjustment meanssuch as a jack or other height adjustment means. The second movablemember 310 may be a telescoping member, or a sliding member, or a memberproviding any other type of relative movement useful for movementrelative to the first movable member 301, especially if such movement iscaused by a handle 336.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a side view of a trailer 10 and towing vehicle20 system is shown in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. It will be understood that the towing vehicle 20 may be anyvariety of vehicle known in the art, such as a truck, tractor or car, orany other variety of on-road or off-road vehicle. Likewise, theprinciples of the present disclosure may be utilized with any variety oftrailer 10 known in the art, such as camping trailers, boat trailers orcargo trailers.

The trailer 10 and towing vehicle 20 may include a ball hitch 12 forattaching to a ball socket 14 on a tongue 16 of the trailer 10 in amanner known in the art. It will be understood that the trailer 10 andtowing vehicle 20 system may be made more convenient, as explained morefully below, to allow the ball hitch 12 to be aligned more easily andfaster with the socket on tongue 14, when the trailer 10 is detached andattached from and to the towing vehicle 20.

A jack 18 may be used on the tongue 16 to raise and lower the tongue 16of the trailer 10 to aid in the hitching of the tow vehicle 20 with thetrailer 10. A jack 18 is generally made up of an actuation portion 22, apost portion 24 and a foot portion 66. The actuation portion 22 maycomprise a user interface which is commonly a handle or crank of somekind. In the case of a handle and crank, the user would take the handlein hand and rotate the crank in a circular motion. The force applied bythe user is multiplied by the mechanical advantage of the jackingmechanism. An electric motor may also be employed to actuate the jackmechanism. An electric motor may be configured to run at the optimalspeed for a balance of speed and power. In the case of a trailer, themechanical mechanism of the jack requires a great amount of motion atthe handle and produces a small mount of motion of the post portion 24or foot portions 66. The post portion 24 rigidly fixes the foot portion66 to the drive mechanism or the jack 18. The foot portion 66 generallymakes contact with the ground and is typically wider than the postportion 24 to distribute the weight of the trailer 10.

In use, the tow vehicle may be positioned near the trailer such that theball 12 on the vehicle 20 is located under the ball socket 14 of thetrailer 10. As is shown in FIG. 6, the ball socket 14 may be loweredover ball 12 by actuating the jack 18 with the crank handle 22, therebyretracting upwardly the jack post 24. As the ball 12 makes contactinside the ball socket 14, some of the weight of the trailer 10 intransferred to the vehicle 20. One of the shortcomings of the prior artcan be alleviated by providing a jack foot 66 that can be rotated intoand out of position in order to make the trailer 20 ready for towing sothat it does not impact the ground during travel. FIG. 6 depicts thejack foot 66 raised and rotated in the upper most position.

Illustrated in FIG. 7, the foot 66 is shown rotated in the downposition. It can be seen that there is less distance now between thefoot 66 and the ground 67. The process can be performed with a jack footof varying lengths or proportions to achieve the desired results. Forexample, the jack foot 66 could be of a configuration such that rotatingit downwardly requires very minimal use of the jack 18.

FIG. 8 illustrates the foot 66 in contact with the ground 67, and thepost 24 extended by the jack 18 such that the trailer 10 is supported onthe foot 66.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed view of an embodiment of a jack foot. Theillustration shows a portion of a of jack post 24 and jack foot 66. Thejack foot 66 may be pivotally attached to the post 24 with a pivot bolt90 through a slot 92. A securing bolt 94 and locking slot 96 may beprovided wherein the securing bolt 94 and locking slot 96 (also referredto herein as “locking engagement surface”) may provide a lockingmechanism that will not allow the foot 66 to pivot under the weight ofthe trailer relative to the jack post 24. A locking mechanism may takemany forms and may be located anywhere on the foot 66 and the post 24.Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure to contemplatethe use of automatic locking mechanisms and the use of electrical orhydraulically assisted and actuated mechanisms. The embodiment mayfurther comprise the use a retracting handle 98 which may pass through apassage way through the tongue of a trailer and fixedly attach to thejack foot 66 and may be configured to actuate a pivot movement aroundthe pivot bolt 90 and slot 92. Slot 92 may be formed so as to beparallel with said jack post so as to aid in the controlled loading ofthe system. In some embodiments it may be advantageous to have a framemounted retainer 100 included that can hold the retracting handle 98 ina place or places and therefore holding the jack foot 66 in a positionor positions.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may include various types ofretaining the retracting handles. A simple friction system may be usedto retain the retracting handle. A cotter pin may also be used to retainthe retracting handle 98. The retainer 100 may be formed as a pin, bolt,clip, or any other suitable retention mechanism known to those skilledin the art.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed rear cut away view of an embodiment ofthe jack foot 66 in a two-point locked position. The illustration showsa portion of jack post 24 and jack foot 66. The jack foot 66 may bepivotally attached to the post 24 with a pivot bolt 90 through the slot92 (shown spaced apart from bolt body 90 a for illustration purposes,but with the understanding that bolt body 90 a is actually in contactwith slot 92). A securing bolt 94 and locking slot 96 may be providedwherein the securing bolt 94 and locking slot 96 may provide a lockingmechanism that will not allow the foot 66 to pivot under the weight ofthe trailer relative to the jack post 24. A locking mechanism may takemany forms and may be located anywhere on the foot 66 and the post 24.The embodiment may further comprise the use of a retracting handle 98which may pass through a passageway through the tongue of a trailer, andfixedly attach to the jack foot 66, and may be configured to actuate apivot movement around the pivot bolt 90 and slot 92. In some embodimentsit may be advantageous to have a frame mounted retainer 100 includedthat can hold the retracting handle 98 in a place or places andtherefore holding the jack foot 66 in a position or positions. Oneembodiment of the present disclosure may include various types ofretaining the retracting handles. A simple friction system may be usedto retain the retracting handle. A cotter pin may also be used to retainthe retracting handle 98. The retainer 100 may be formed as a pin, bolt,clip, or any other suitable retention mechanism known to those skilledin the art. It is also within the scope of the disclosure to have abracket that attaches to the jack post for receiving a foot portionthereon. The pivot bolt and securing bolts may be considered a bracketor may be part a bracket.

With reference to FIG. 11, an embodiment of the jack foot lockingmechanism will be discussed as being moved from a first position 66 a toa second position 66 b. The figure denotes the unlocked locking slot as96 a and unlocked pivot slot as 92 a. The locked depictions are 96 b and92 b respectively. As the jack post settles down into the jack foot 166,the securing bolt 94 engages the locking slot 96 b, thereby providing asecond laterally fixed point of contact resulting in a lock againstrotation around the pivot bolt 90. FIG. 12 depicts a close up view ofthe jack post 24 and jack foot 66 b and the interaction they have in alocked position. The arrow denotes the downward force and movement inthat direction.

It will be understood that locking slot 96, or locking slot 96 b, aremerely one example of a locking engagement surface. Any suitable surfacedisposed on the foot 66, especially a surface that defines a concaverecess, can serve as a locking engagement surface within the scope ofthe invention.

With reference to FIGS. 13-21, a method of use will be discussed. FIG.13 illustrates the jack foot 166 as seen in the upper most position. Thetongue 180 of a trailer is illustrated with the jack 182 mountedthereon. The jack may also have a jack post 184 and a crank handle 186.The retainer 204 can be seen holding the retracting handle 206 in an upposition. A pivot locking mechanism 188 as previously described maycomprise a pivot bolt through a slot, and a securing bolt interactingwith a locking slot. Wherein the securing bolt and locking slot mayprovide a locking mechanism that will not allow the foot to pivot underthe weight of the trailer relative to the jack post. A locking mechanismmay take many forms and may be located anywhere on the foot and thepost. The system is shown in an unlocked and un-weighted position. Inuse a user would grasp the retracting handle 206 and actuate theretainer 204 to allow the retracting handle to be put into motion. Theuser would move the handle 206 toward the tongue 180 such that the jackfoot is rotated about the pivot locking mechanism 188.

In FIG. 14 the retracting handle is being lowered toward the tongue andthe jack foot 166 is mid way between the up and down positions. Theretainer 204 can be seen in dashed lines as it descends through orbehind the tongue 180 portion.

In FIG. 15 the jack foot 166 is illustrated in its down most rotatedposition. In FIG. 16 the jack foot 166 is not bearing the weight of thetrailer and is also in an unlocked position as the securing bolt is notresting in the locking slot. The user then begins to turn the crankhandle 186 to actuate the jack 182 until the jack foot 166 contacts theground.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, once the jack foot has reached theground and bears the weight of the trailer, the locking mechanism 188 isactuated as the securing bolt is pushed in to the locking slot. Thepivot slot allows the jack post 184 to slide linearly in to the jackfoot 166. The slot may be configured as curved slot without deviatingfrom within the scope of this application. The two point lock preventsthe trailer from collapsing the jack foot 166 by rotation.

The process is now ready to be reversed. In FIG. 18 the crank handle 186is cranked by the user to lift the foot 166 from the ground as theweight of the trailer is supported by the vehicle. As the jack foot 166is un-weighted the foot falls due to its own weight along the path ofthe locking mechanism 188 consequently releasing the securing bolt fromthe locking slot thereby unlocking the locking mechanism 188.

In FIGS. 19 and 20 the user actuates the retracting handle 206 causingthe rotation of the jack foot 166 around the pivot locking mechanism188.

In FIG. 21 it is illustrated that after full actuation of the retractinghandle 206 it can be locked in place with the retainer 204, resulting inthe jack foot 166 being locked in the upper most position. It is withinthe scope of this application to contemplate that it may be desirous tohold the jack foot in intermediate positions between those steps shown.Various locking/holding means may be employed and are contemplated bythis application.

With reference to FIG. 22 it will also be appreciated that other similarmechanical and electronic variations on the trailer jack method arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, an electronicmotor with controls 286 may be provided for ease of use and all of theadvantages of the jack foot 166. It will be understood that oneembodiment of the jack system may be installed on trailers by themanufacturer. Accordingly, it will be understood that one embodiment ofthe tongue may not need to be modified or customized to be compatiblewith the jack system 10. Thus, the principles of the present disclosuremay be compatible with standardized equipment.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 and embodiment will be discussedhaving a bracket 230 configured to receive a jack post 232. Theembodiment may further comprise a slot 234 in said jack foot 242. Theembodiment may further comprise an elongate handle 236 extending from ajack foot 242. The slot 234 may be configured to mechanicallycommunicate with a pivot bolt 238. The embodiment may further comprise aprotrusion 240 on the jack foot at a distance from an area around whichthe jack foot 242 rotates. The embodiment may further comprise a recess244 on said bracket corresponding to said protrusion 240 such that whenthe jack foot 242 is in a loaded position said protrusion 240mechanically interacts with said recess 244.

One embodiment of the jack may include spacer bushings 246, securingbolts and pivot bolts. It is within the scope of this disclosure toinclude any fasteners that would appropriately replace or augmentpivoting and retaining. The spacer bushings may be configured to providelubrication or accept lubrication for the movement of the jack foot.Additionally, the spacer bushings, securing bolt and pivot bolt may becomponents of the locking and the retaining of the jack foot in anyposition. The spacer bushings, securing bolt and pivot bolt may also beconfigured to bear all or part of the force exerted on the tongue of thetrailer. Alternatively, any spacer bushings, the securing bolt and thepivot bolt may be configured without consideration of bearing the weightof the trailer. Additionally, a sensor or manual indicator may beintegrated into the jack for reporting to a user whether the jack footis in the up or down position. The reporting may be done remotely or atthe jack.

With reference to FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 an embodiment will bediscussed having a telescoping portion. The embodiment may comprise anouter housing 300 having a jack crank/handle 302 on the top thereof. Fortelescoping purposes the embodiment may further comprise a firsttelescoping member or outer cylinder 301 and a second telescoping memberor inner cylinder 310 configured and sized so as to slide in and out ofsaid outer housing 300. When the crank 302 is operated as known in theart, a height adjustment means contained in the outer housing 300mechanically communicates with the outer cylinder 301 causing it toraise or lower. A foot portion 312 may be disposed on an end of saidinner cylinder 310. The embodiment may further comprise an elongatehandle 336 extending from a foot portion 312. The elongate handle 336may be held in position by a guide 338. The embodiment may furthercomprise a pin 340 and clip 342 for retaining the outer cylinder 301 andthe inner cylinder 310 in position relative to each other.

Additionally, a sensor or manual indicator may be integrated into thejack for reporting to a user whether the jack foot is in the up or downposition. The reporting may be done remotely or at the jack. In use thepin 340 is removed as shown by phantom lines in FIGS. 25 and 26, and theclip 342 is removed as also shown in phantom lines, to allow thetelescoping action of the jack. This may be done while grasping thehandle/lever 336. The telescoping foot portion 312 extender will dropdown mostly by its own weight, but also guided by the person holding thehandle/lever 336. When the foot 312 has been extended the desiredlength, the handle/lever 336 is used to align the desired through hole352, and then the pin 340 & clip 342 are reinserted to lock the jackfoot to the desired extension position.

This is all done without turning the jack crank/handle 302 any rotationson the jack itself. However, the jack foot extender may still not beenough to reach the ground. it may be necessary to still utilize therotation of the jack, but it will require far less rotations due to thequick extension gained by the telescoping jack foot or inner cylinder310.

To quickly retract using far less rotations of the jack crank/handle 302itself, the pin 340 and the clip 342 are detached and the handle/lever336 is lifted up, causing the foot 312 to be quickly pulled up. Ifnecessary, the rest of the retraction can be done by rotations of thejack crank/handle 302. This is a much faster way to retract the jack togain ground clearance for towing.

The handle/lever 336 may be pulled all the way up, or until the desiredholes are aligned for inserting the pin 340 and clip 342. The pin 340and clip 342 are then inserted to keep the telescoping jack foot 312fully retracted.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 one embodiment mayinclude a remote lock and release pin function. This enables aone-handed operation from a standing position. The embodiment maycomprise a spring-biased pin 363 contained within a housing 362, that isbiased to stay inserted into the holes 352 of the two telescopingmembers outer cylinder 301 and inner cylinder 310. There may also be apull cable 364 in a sheath accompanied by a squeeze lever 360. To extendor retract the foot 312, the same hand that grasps the handle 336 willalso squeeze the lever 360. The internal cable 364 will pull within thesheath, which causes remote disengagement of the spring-biased pin 363.

It will be understood that the components of the present disclosure maybe manufactured using processes known to those skilled in the art.Moreover, the materials used to manufacture the components of the jacksystem may vary in accordance with suitable materials known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed hereinare merely examples of a means for adjusting the height of a trailertongue more conveniently with respect to a tow vehicle, and it should beappreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for adjusting theheight of a trailer tongue more conveniently with respect to a towvehicle that performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, thosedisclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of thisapplication.

In accordance with the features and combinations described above, auseful apparatus for attaching a trailer to a tow vehicle may include:

a tongue attached to a trailer, said tongue having a jack for liftingand leveling the trailer;

said jack including; a handle; a jack post; and a foot portion forcontacting the ground; said foot portion being movable to provide lengthof structure for adjusting the height of said tongue.

Additionally, in accordance with the features and combinations describedabove, a useful method for jacking a trailer may include:

positioning a jack foot from a contracted position to an un-contractedposition; and

actuating a user interface lowering the jack foot until loaded with theweight of the trailer.

In accordance with the features and combinations described above, auseful apparatus for jacking a trailer with an extendable andretractable jack post may include:

a jack foot, said jack foot having a surface engaging portion forengaging a surface;

the jack foot having at least one rigid support member extendingupwardly from said surface engaging portion;

a pivot bolt mountable to said jack post;

a securing bolt mountable to said jack post;

at least one slot formed in the at least one rigid support member, saidat least one slot for engaging the pivot bolt to thereby provide an axisof rotation for the jack foot;

at least one locking slot formed in an uppermost portion of the at leastone rigid support member, said at least one locking slot beingconfigured and adapted for slidably engaging said securing bolt tothereby prevent rotation of the jack foot around the axis of rotation;and

a retracting device for applying a torque to the jack foot to therebycause its rotation around the axis of rotation.

Additionally, in accordance with the features and combinations describedabove, a useful method for unhitching a trailer having an extendable andretractable jack post from a tow vehicle may include:

releasing a first locking mechanism to thereby allow a jack foot mountedon an end of the jack post to move from a storage position to a groundengaging position;

extending the jack post such that a ground engaging portion of the jackfoot engages the ground; and

applying a load to the jack foot to thereby cause an engagement of asecond locking mechanism, said second locking mechanism preventing thejack foot from moving out of the ground engaging position.

Additionally, in accordance with the features and combinations describedabove, a useful method for hitching a trailer having an extendable andretractable jack post to a tow vehicle may include:

retracting the jack post such that a tongue hitch of the trailer engagesa ball of the tow vehicle;

continuing to retract the jack post such that a ground engaging portionof a jack foot mounted on the jack post disengages the ground, saiddisengagement of the ground engaging portion of the jack foot causing ananti-rotational locking mechanism to become disengaged;

applying a torque to the jack foot to thereby cause the jack foot tomove from a ground engaging position to a storage position; and

locking the jack foot in the storage position.

Additionally, in accordance with the features and combinations describedabove, and in accordance with an understanding that alternatives andmodifications thereof can be used to cause, provide or effectuate themethods contained herein including any methods described above and anymethods described below, a useful method for hitching a trailer havingan extendable and retractable jack post to a tow vehicle may include:

retracting the jack post such that a tongue hitch of the trailer engagesa ball of the tow vehicle;

continuing to retract the jack post such that a ground engaging portionof a jack foot mounted on the jack post disengages the ground;

applying a torque to the jack foot to thereby cause the jack foot tomove from a ground engaging position to a pivoted position relative tothe jack post, said step of applying a torque being accomplished by auser pulling (or causing to be pulled) a retraction device in an upwarddirection.

In the above methods, the step of applying a torque may further includegrasping a ring-handle and pulling it in an upward direction to therebycause a retracting rod, cable or strap attached to the jack foot topivot or rotate the jack foot relative to the jack post, into adisengaged position, which may include a storage position.

Additionally, in accordance with the features and combinations describedabove, a useful method for installing a jack foot onto an end of a jackpost may include:

pivotally mounting the jack foot onto the end of the jack post such thatthe jack foot is operable between a ground engaging position and astorage position;

providing an anti-rotational locking mechanism to thereby secure thejack foot in the ground engaging position; and providing a retractiondevice for applying a torque to the jack foot to thereby allow a user tomove the jack foot from the ground engaging position to the storageposition.

Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate theadvantages provided by the features of the present disclosure. Forexample, it is a feature of the present disclosure to provide a trailerjack system that is simple in design and manufacture. Another feature ofthe present disclosure is to provide such a trailer jack system thatmakes attaching the tow vehicle to the trailer faster, easier and safer,especially in situations where assistance from another individual is notavailable. It is a further feature of the present disclosure, inaccordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a trailer jack systemthat has improved vertical alignment mechanisms. It is another featureof the present disclosure to provide a jacking system that may be usedwith or incorporate a conventional hitch receiver. In the foregoingDetailed Description, various features of the present disclosure aregrouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description of theDisclosure by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentdisclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may bedevised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intendedto cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the presentdisclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above withparticularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use may be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts set forth herein.

What is claimed is: 1-26. (canceled)
 27. A method of using an improvedjack foot comprising: lowering an elongate handle thereby extending saidjack foot connected to a jack post into a load receiving position;actuating a crank of a jack such that said jack post extends downwarduntil said jack foot contacts the ground such that a slot and a lockingstructure disposed on said jack foot interface with a first boltrotatably attaching said jack foot to said jack post is in mechanicalcommunication with said slot and a protrusion configured to communicatewith said locking structure interact.
 28. The method of claim 27 furthercomprising unlocking said handle at the beginning of the process andlocking said handle at the end of the process.
 29. The method of claim27 further comprising reversing the crank of the jack until said jackfoot rises from the ground such that said slot and said lockingstructure disposed on said jack foot de-interface from said first boltrotatably attaching said jack foot to said jack post is not inmechanical communication with said slot and said protrusion configuredto communicate with said locking structure separate.
 30. The method ofclaim 29 further comprising locking said handle into position at the endof the process.
 31. Method of making a trailer jack system comprising:providing a jack having a jack post: attaching a jack foot to said jackpost wherein said jack foot comprises: a mount configured to receive ajack post; wherein said mount is configured to receive a slot thereonthat may rotate thereabout relative to said jack post; an elongatehandle extending from said jack foot; a protrusion for attaching to thejack post at a distance from said mount, a recess corresponding to saidprotrusion such that when the jack foot is in a down position saidprotrusion mechanically interacts with said recess.
 32. The method ofclaim 30 further comprising making said slot substantially parallel tosaid jack post when said jack foot is parallel with said jack post. 33.The method of claim 30 wherein the jack foot's own weight causes theapparatus to unlock.
 34. The method of claim 30 wherein the jack foot islocked when a trailer's weight is resting thereon.
 35. The method ofclaim 30 further comprising providing a retainer for said handle. 36.The method of claim 35 wherein said retainer is a cotter pin. 37.(canceled)
 38. An apparatus for lifting a trailer tongue comprising; aheight adjustment means for raising and lowering the trailer tongue,said height adjustment means including a housing and a first movablemember movably attached relative to the housing such that said firstmovable member is movable toward or away from the housing; a secondmovable member movably attached relative to the first movable membersuch that said second movable member is movable toward or away from thefirst movable member; a foot portion attached to said second movablemember and configured for engaging the ground; a locking mechanism forretaining said second movable member relative to said first movablemember; and an elongate handle attached to said foot portion and beingoperable for moving the second movable member and the foot attachedthereto relative to the first movable member without the aid from andindependently of the height adjustment means.
 39. The apparatus of claim38 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a pin and clip.
 40. Theapparatus of claim 38 further comprising a biased pin.
 41. The apparatusof claim 40 wherein the biased pin may be moved remotely.
 42. Theapparatus of claim 41 wherein a trigger is used to move the biased pinremotely.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said trigger is disposedon said elongate handle.
 44. The apparatus of claim 38 furthercomprising a guide interfacing with said elongate handle for guidingmotion of the handle.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44 further comprising acable configured to be guided by the guide.
 46. The apparatus of claim38, wherein the first movable member is a first telescoping member thattelescopically moves within the housing of the height adjustment meansand wherein second movable member is a second telescoping member thattelescopically moves within the first telescoping member.